A Stardew Valley farmer came to Gensokyo.

"Marisa?"

Upon hearing the name, Alice's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a hint of annoyance and displeasure appeared in her eyes.

As a fellow mage living in this magical forest and obsessed with collecting and studying magical books, Alice deeply abhorred Marisa Kirisame's behavior of stealing and even forcibly taking magical books under the guise of borrowing them.

Although the two lived next door to each other, their relationship was like oil and water, and it was rare for them not to exchange a few sarcastic remarks when they met.

"Did Marisa teach you magic?" Alice asked, her voice a few decibels lower than before, carrying a hint of aloofness and coldness.

Xia Xun keenly noticed this subtle change, and a question arose in her mind.

He vaguely remembered that Alice and Marisa seemed to have a pretty good relationship in the Touhou Project setting.

Despite his confusion, he decided to tell the truth: "I have just started to learn magic on my own. Although I asked Marisa to teach me, I don't understand many of the basics since I'm a beginner, so she suggested that I buy three basic magic books from Kourindo and study them on my own."

Upon hearing this, Alice's expression relaxed slightly, the faint chill dissipating, and her tone returned to its previous calm. "I see."

She didn't mind that the people she rescued knew Marisa, that annoying person. After all, Gensokyo is only so big, and it's perfectly normal for people's social circles to overlap.

But it's a different story if she were to calmly entertain an apprentice who is being personally taught by Marisa and might pick up her style.

Upon hearing that Xia Xun was teaching himself magic, Alice's eyes lit up with interest.

In this Gensokyo, humans who truly dedicate themselves to practicing magic are rare. The only human she sees most often is that annoying Marisa.

Now that she has encountered a newcomer who has just stepped into the world of magic and whose attitude seems quite proper, she can't help but feel a desire to explore and communicate with him.

"Are you interested in magic? Have you encountered any difficulties in your training?" Alice couldn't help but ask, leaning forward slightly.

As a mage who was cultivated by a human through his own efforts and love, magic is one of the most important parts of her life.

“Magic is amazing and very interesting.” Xia Xun couldn’t help but smile when magic was mentioned.

He initially felt very favorably toward this benefactor who had just saved his life and treated him generously, so he told him almost everything he knew.

He put down his teacup and began to tell Alice about the shock and excitement he felt when he, an ordinary person from the outside world, first came into contact with this completely different supernatural system.

He described the excitement and sense of accomplishment he felt when, following the book's guidance, he finally managed to condense the first strand of magic in the dead of night; he also frankly expressed his boundless aspirations for the future possibilities of magic.

Xia Xun's description may not be professional enough, but it is full of genuine enthusiasm from a fresh perspective.

Alice listened quietly, occasionally nodding slightly, a subtle ripple appearing in her azure eyes.

Xia Xun's appearance reminded her of herself a long time ago, that girl who was initially attracted by the magnificence and profundity of the magical world, and explored it step by step with pure curiosity and love.

Time slipped away quietly as the two talked about magic, the cookies on the coffee table gradually dwindled, and cup after cup of black tea was poured.

Xia Xun started with the most basic magical perception and elemental affinity, and then asked about the details of spell structure and casting gestures; Alice, with her profound knowledge and experience, patiently answered and elaborated on the questions, occasionally sharing a funny story or lesson from her early learning days.

They discussed the explanation of the six elements of magic in "An Introduction to Magic Theory," compared the differences in the characteristics of different elemental magic, and even talked about the similarities and differences between Xia Xun's "blessing of plants" and "blessing of water" and orthodox magical perception.

The atmosphere gradually shifted from initial politeness and gratitude to a more harmonious and focused one, and the distance created by unfamiliarity between them was quickly bridged by their shared interest.

When Xia Xun picked up the teapot again, as he was about to pour tea for himself and Alice, the light, floating feel of the teapot startled him.

"Ah, I'm done drinking." He subconsciously glanced at the system interface floating in his mind.

Time: 5:23 PM

"Has it really been that long?" Xia Xun blinked in astonishment.

Alice then realized that time had passed.

She glanced at the setting sun outside the window, then at the empty teapot and the snack plate, a faint blush creeping across her face.

She gently raised her hand, and the Shanghai doll standing beside her immediately floated up gracefully, ready to brew tea again.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Alice." Xia Xun quickly stood up and declined her offer. "It's getting late, I should take my leave."

An afternoon of in-depth and pleasant conversation has made them friends who can call each other by their first names.

Xia Xun was filled with the satisfaction of gaining knowledge, as well as admiration for her new friend's knowledge and character.

He walked to the coffee table and gently stroked the empty dessert plate with his palm.

With a flash of light, twenty-four bright red strawberries, radiating a soft silver glow, appeared magically on the pristine white porcelain plate.

"This is a return gift for the hospitality you showed us today, Alice." Xia Xun gently pushed the plate towards Alice, saying, "It's from my own field. It's not anything expensive, but it's very fresh. Thank you for saving my life and for your hospitality today."

As an experienced magician, Alice could tell the moment she saw those strawberries that they were far more plump and fresh than usual.

It contains far more natural vitality and pure elemental energy than ordinary crops. This is no ordinary strawberry, but a high-quality magical crop nourished by some kind of benign power.

Her fingertips twitched almost imperceptibly, and the Penglai doll standing on her other side immediately flew lightly to the bookshelf to one side.

A moment later, Penglai flew back carrying a thick magic book with a cover wrapped in dark blue velvet cloth and edges inlaid with silver patterns, and respectfully presented it to Xia Xun.

“This grimoire,” Alice’s voice remained calm, but contained a touch of earnest warmth, “will serve as a gift to commemorate our friendship.”

Xia Xun looked at the magic book in front of her, which exuded an extraordinary and antique feel just from its appearance, and subconsciously wanted to refuse it.

“It’s common for friends to exchange gifts.” She paused, then added, “Besides, I see you’re quite passionate about magic, and this book might be helpful to you right now.”

Upon hearing the suggestion of a gift from a friend, Xia Xun swallowed his initial refusal and solemnly extended both hands to accept the heavy magic book.

"I will cherish it and study it carefully," he solemnly promised, carefully putting the book into his system bag.

When Alice saw him accept the money, a faint smile appeared on her face, but it quickly faded, her expression turned serious, and she sat up straighter.

“Xia Xun,” she called his name, her tone serious, “you must remember, Marisa is not a reliable person!”

"Her attitude toward magic is too casual, even dangerous. She may indiscriminately come into contact with and use many shortcuts with weak foundations or dangerous knowledge of dubious origin."

Alice's azure eyes looked directly at Xia Xun, filled with admonition and concern, "You've just started out, so a solid foundation is the most important thing. If you blindly imitate her methods, you'll easily go astray and even harm yourself."

“Compared to Marisa,” Alice said seriously, “if you have any questions about your magical training in the future, or if you need to consult more reliable information, you can come to me anytime.”

Chapter Twenty-Two: Ga La's Favorability with Mu

"So Alice and Marisa didn't get along."

Even after leaving Alice's mansion, Xia Xun's mind was still preoccupied with this unexpected discovery.

But then he thought about it again and felt relieved.

Having already transmigrated to Gensokyo and awakened the Stardew Valley system—a cheat code—isn't it normal for reality to differ from the story I originally knew?

Gensokyo is a place where countless possibilities converge. Every person and every relationship has its own unique characteristics, so it's impossible to apply a fixed setting to everything.

"Xia Xun, are you still going to find Marisa?" Sunny flapped her transparent wings and flew lightly beside Xia Xun, her orange eyes filled with curiosity. Luna and Star also flew alongside him on either side, all three pairs of eyes fixed on him.

Upon hearing this, Xia Xun looked up at the sky; the sun was already beginning to set.

“Never mind,” he shook his head, a hint of regret in his voice, “It’s getting late, I have to go back.”

"The magic forest at night is too dangerous; those monsters that lurk during the day are probably even more active."

This experience of venturing deep into the forest, especially the encounter with the wolf demon, gave him a clearer understanding of this seemingly tranquil forest.

Without sufficient strength and preparation, it is by no means a wise move to act rashly at night.

"Mmm!" Sunny nodded vigorously, her little face full of joy. "Then we'll escort Xia Xun back!"

"This time, I will make sure you are not in danger again!"

Luna and Star immediately flew closer, and the three little fairies formed a triangle to protect Xia Xun in the middle. Although they were small in size, their serious and ready stance warmed people's hearts.

"Yes, thank you, Sunny, Luna, Star." Xia Xun looked at them one by one, feeling really happy.

Upon hearing his thanks, the three little fairies immediately broke into bright smiles, their eyes curving into crescents.

The feeling of being needed and trusted made them exceptionally happy, and even their flight paths seemed to add a few more small circles.

Xia Xun glanced back with a hint of regret at the magic forest that was gradually being swallowed by the twilight.

His main purpose in coming here was to explore and deliver a gift to Marisa. He has only completed half of it so far. He still hasn't figured out the exact location of Marisa's hut.

But on second thought, being able to meet, talk to, and even become friends with Alice was already a far greater gain than expected.

Thinking of Alice's last promise, "You can come to me anytime," Xia Xun's lips involuntarily curled upwards.

Marisa and such are not important for now.

Anyway, there's no rush to give gifts. We can come back next time when we're better prepared and more familiar with the forest.

There were no further incidents on the way back.

With three little fairies familiar with the forest environment and with keen senses leading the way, Xia Xun avoided areas where dangerous creatures might be active and quickly traveled along relatively safe paths.

As the last rays of the setting sun disappeared completely below the horizon, they successfully made their way out of the outer perimeter of the magic forest.

Standing at the edge of the forest, Xia Xun turned to face the three little fairies.

In the twilight, the faint light reflected from their wings, like tiny fireflies, illuminated their three adorable little faces.

"Let's stop here. Any further on is the area where humans live," Xia Xun said gently. "Thank you so much for today."

"No need to thank me!" Sunny waved her hand, and the three little fairies waved goodbye to him.

"Wait a minute." Xia Xun called out to the three little fairies and took out the gifts she had prepared beforehand.

When he arrived, his shopping bag, which contained snacks, was full of strawberries. He took some time during his afternoon rest at Alice's house to repackage some of the strawberries.

Xia Xun handed the heavy bag of leaves to Star, who was flying the closest. Star and Luna took it together, their small bodies sinking slightly, but they quickly regained their balance.

The bag contained six silver star strawberries and thirty regular strawberries that he had deliberately kept.

Suddenly, the strawberry inventory in my backpack became: 63 regular quality strawberries and only 5 silver quality strawberries left.

But Xia Xun didn't feel any regret at all.

"Wow—!" The three little fairies crowded around the bag and exclaimed in surprise as they looked at the bright red and plump fruit inside.

"Come visit us again next time, Xia Xun!" Sunny hugged the bag and happily flew around Xia Xun once.

"Okay, be careful on the road," Luna whispered a reminder.

"Goodbye!" Star waved her little hand.

"Goodbye, and be careful on your journey." Xia Xun waved to them, watching the three little fairies carrying leaf bags full of strawberries drift leisurely back into the depths of the forest.

Turning around and embarking on her journey home, Xia Xun quickened her pace.

The sky had completely darkened, and a crescent moon rose, its cool light spilling across the country lanes. In the distance, the lights of the villages twinkled, outlining a peaceful scene.

Pushing open the door to my little house, a familiar scent wafted over me. The house was dimly lit, with only a few rays of moonlight filtering in through the window.

Xia Xun fumbled to light the oil lamp. The orange glow dispelled the darkness and also dispelled the slight loneliness of returning home alone at night.

After a simple wash, splashing her face with cool river water to wash away the day's fatigue and dust, and changing into clean clothes, Xia Xun sat down at the low table and, by the light of the lamp, took out two Silver Star strawberries.

After a quick dinner, Xia Xun started checking her earnings.

Aside from the bountiful harvest of crops and gathered goods, the most important thing was that his skills had been newly enhanced today.

Gathering lv1→lv2

Cultivation lv0→lv1: Unlock the scarecrow, basic fertilizer.

"Great! We've finally unlocked the scarecrow!" Xia Xun's eyes lit up.

During these two days of farming, his biggest worry was that the seeds he had worked so hard to plant would be ruined by birds or small animals.

Scarecrows can effectively scare away birds and protect seedlings. Although they may have limited effect on ground creatures such as rats, they are still an important means of protection.

Also unlocked is the formula for "primary fertilizer," a simple fertilizer that can slightly improve soil fertility and increase the chances of crop quality improvement; it requires tree sap to make.

Xia Xun then began to think about the sales of these agricultural products.

Ordinary potatoes and strawberries are taken to the market in the human world and sold at market price to Dong Xiangtang.

But what about crops of Silver Star quality?

They are significantly superior to ordinary crops, whether in terms of taste, satiety, or natural energy content. It would be a huge loss to sell them at the price of ordinary crops.

"We need to find a more suitable sales channel," Xia Xun thought to himself.

He first thought of Hieda Akyuu. As the head of the Hieda family who compiled "The Origin of Gensokyo", she was knowledgeable and well-connected, and might know which places or people needed this special agricultural product.

Moreover, Akyuu's health doesn't seem to be very good. High-quality food containing natural vitality might be beneficial for her. I can ask her about it when I visit her tomorrow.

Then there's Morichika Rinnosuke, the owner of Kourindo. He's a half-demon with exceptional knowledge, and his shop has many strange and unusual items. He might also be interested in magical crops, or perhaps offer some sales advice. I'll also give him some gifts to maintain a good relationship.

He absolutely had to visit the Hakurei Shrine; his experience of encountering the wolf demon today had served as a wake-up call.

In Gensokyo, it's impossible to move an inch without the ability to protect yourself. The amulet given by Reimu might save your life in a critical moment, but it's obviously safer to have more offensive or defensive amulets on hand.